WECHS Principal's Weekly Message 4/9/2021
Happy Friday! While we happily welcome spring, I can honestly say I look forward to some rain this weekend to wash away this beautiful yellow blanket covering everything!
The Annual WECHS International Festival (Virtual) THIS AFTERNOON!
April 9th, 2021 from 4:30-6 pm. Come join us virtually to celebrate our diversity at WECHS!
Link to International Festival
HOSA SLC Watch Party tomorrow, April 10th, beginning at 10 am. Ask your HOSA member to join and cheer on the WECHS HOSA members!
Wednesday, 4/14: Remote Day at WECHS (classes and events may be synchronous or asynchronous) No students on campus.
Health Screenings have discontinued. Everyone should self-screen prior to coming to school.
Students should not be in school if they are diagnosed with COVID-19, exposed to someone with COVID-19, instructed to quarantine, or if they are sick or experiencing any of these symptoms:
- 100.4° fever or higher
- Sore throat
- New cough
- New shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- New severe headache
Class of 2021 Commencement is scheduled for the morning of 5/26 in the PHS tiered classroom in multiple ceremonies. We hope to allow 4 tickets per graduate. As of now, we are planning to host the senior picnic that afternoon. More information coming as soon as approved by the district.
21-22 WECHS Calendar: https://www.wcpss.net/cms/lib/NC01911451/Centricity/Domain/19/21-22%20%20KHS%20NWCCA%20VMCCA%20WECHS.pdf
Updated 2020-2021 WECHS calendar with additional RL days March 3, April 7, and April 28:
Meal Benefits Applications:
All schools should include a reminder in your parent newsletter to remind parents of why they need to apply for F&R Meal Benefits. To help you get started, we’ve provided a template with language specific for Title I schools and Non Title I schools. The number of parents applying for meal benefits determines your school’s eligibility to receive the funding for the following school year. This is especially important for Title I schools. Every child in your school will benefit from the Title 1 funds your school receives and you may use these funds for a variety of services and resources.
Families who are eligible to receive meal benefits will continue to receive additional benefits through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program. This program helps families purchase food for children whose access to free and reduced-price meals at school has been impacted by virtual learning for the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19.
The Triangle Camps, Track-Out, and More directory (formerly Summershine) is headed your way. You can expect them to be delivered at the end of next week or at the beginning of the following week. Here is a link to preview the directory: https://cs.wcpss.net/index.php?route=sscontroller/pdf_page_flip.
This link will help parents easily access this valuable information all year and not just publication dates. Please utilize: http://www.wcpss.net/camps.
The 2020-2021 yearbook is going to be a book to treasure for years to come. You can purchase http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01106613
Recognize your students’ accomplishments with a yearbook ad. This could be especially meaningful for members of the Class of 2021! Check out info here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bvqssEaXiv2BfIDwIiXJh-hRLTNZEil5/view?usp=sharing
Driver’s License Updates from WCPSS: Obtaining a Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC) during COVID-19 school building closure: Students are only eligible to receive a Driving Eligibility Certificate during this time if they have a confirmed appointment with the NC DMV within 30 days of the date of the request. Email Mr. Abbott with your confirmation email at rabbott@wcpss.net. Mr. Abbott will schedule an appointment with you to pick up your DEC.
Chemistry Support
Does your student need support in chemistry class? We are now offering virtual peer tutoring with students from the North Campus who have successfully completed the course on Mondays during lunch from 10:30-11:30 and after school from 3:00-4:00.
Use the class code mc4upgc to join the Success Lab Google Meet during those times or use this Google Form to sign up.
Email mcwilcox@wcpss.net with any questions.
Testing:
The PreACT will be offered to all sophomores on Thursday, April 15, during the school day. There is no fee to test, and all 10th graders are automatically registered. Students may use their own calculators if they meet ACT requirements, or they may borrow a school calculator.
Students should arrive at school at 7:25 and go directly to Building A, Room 149/152 testing room. If you are a Virtual Academy student will need bus transportation and/or breakfast and lunch on the day of the PreACT, email Donna Poole at dpoole2@wcpss.net by Monday, April 12 at 2:00.
Students must self-screen (see above), wear a mask, and WWW the entire time. Do not report to testing if you are experiencing signs of illness.
While we don’t know exactly when the test administration will end, we predict it will be 11:30-12:00.
In North Carolina, all tenth-graders take the PreACT. This assessment measures what students have learned in their courses and helps educators identify the information that students still need to learn to succeed in college or a career.
The PreACT simulates the ACT testing experience by providing students early exposure to ACT test-quality questions. The PreACT is reported on the same 1–36 score scale as the ACT, but PreACT has a maximum score of 35. The PreACT also provides a predicted ACT composite score range. The PreACT assessment includes four multiple-choice tests: English, math, reading, and science. The PreACT is designed to help parents and educators identify areas where students may need additional academic support or remediation.
If you have questions or concerns about the PreACT, please contact Robin McAlexander at rmcalexander@wcpss.net.
PHS Final exams are scheduled for May 19-26. Wake Tech exams are scheduled for May 5-11. Please do not make plans to travel during these times.
Student Services:
April SEL focus: We are offering more in-depth practice sessions on time management, organization and wellness for students in April. See letter here for more information. Students can sign-up here.
Preparing for paying for college: Ms. Taylor, our financial aid counselor, created a great video about making college affordable. Check out the video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I-TWsuqbqf1T92V-TjmW1oHhwdyvZj31/view?usp=sharing
Keeping Teenagers Emotionally and Physically Safe - Parent Presentation: WCPSS has developed a presentation for parents with information, strategies, and warning signs for student safety during remote learning. Here are links to the presentation in English and Spanish.
Class of 2021 Updates
WECHS Graduation: Graduation for the Class of 2021: we are making plans! More information coming soon.
Senior Parade and materials pickup/return: TBD-hoping for May 12, 9-11am on North
Promenade: TBD
Commencement & Senior Picnic: May 26 on PHS
Ordering WECHS Cap and Gown: If you plan to participate in the WECHS Graduation ceremony, you must have a Cap and Gown. Please reach out to Mrs. Lachance with any questions or clarifications. https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1827483/Wake-Early-Col-of-Health-and-Sci/-/1463500412/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-and-Gown-Unit/1467289016/
Graduation Fee $25: What it covers: costs associated with graduation ceremony, and honors and awards. Can be paid online at: https://osp.osmsinc.com/WakeNC/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=AG150
Other info:
CFNC is launching Take Your Dreams Off Hold: College Is Within Reach! This campaign supports high school seniors and parents, to help them complete the three important steps for college enrollment for the fall semester: college application, FAFSA, and residency.
Please click here for more information on residency, FAFSA, and college application completion.
For additional information on upcoming events and opportunities, please see CFNC’s Take Your Dreams Off Hold newsletter.
Financial Aid: It is now time to apply for financial aid for college. We have a financial aid counselor, Mrs. Linda Taylor, who is available to answer any questions for both students and parents. She has expanded appointments times for Wake Early College of Health and Sciences. Students and parents may now make appointments with the Financial Aid Advisor on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 9 AM until 2 PM. Please email Ms. Taylor at ltaylor6@wcpss.net if you need later appointments. Here is the link for you to make an appointment. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0449aca823a1fd0-financial2
Ms. Taylor created a great video about making college affordable. Check out the video here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I-TWsuqbqf1T92V-TjmW1oHhwdyvZj31/view?usp=sharing
Scholarships: Please visit our WECHS Student Services website for more information on scholarships and financial aid. There are many links to scholarship search engines. https://wechs-student-services.weebly.com/scholarships-and-financial-aid1.html
Here is the link to the scholarship bulletin which pulls off a handful from these search engines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cfKGNl2-GyFIwgaxKdW5iCoumaZlnyjS_yD6UDuNuGI/edit?usp=sharing
Career Development Corner -
Please be sure to visit Ms. Hill’s website for the most up-to-date opportunities and information.
Parents, are you interested in joining the WECHS Business Alliance? The purpose of the WECHS Business Alliance is to help identify current industry trends, participate in opportunities for student growth, and network with other community organizations. The Business Alliance meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Please complete this form.
Last week on WECHS Works Wednesday, the WTCC Dental Assisting Program shared the importance of PPE in a dental clinic setting. The demonstrated how to donn and doff PPE, potential hazards and pathogens and shared valuable information about applying to the program. They made the session VERY engaging and interactive. A great big THANK YOU to Ms. Trudy Clark, Department Head and Ms Fracine Sack, Assistant Professor!
Wake County EMS will be offering the EMT program for WCPSS students next year.
Application window will close on May 3rd
Notifications will be made mid-May
Is your student interested in a career in Veterinary Medicine? Check out NC State's VetCamp 2021. VetCAMP is a 5 day summer camp hosted by the Veterinary Professional Advising Center (VetPAC) at North Carolina State University.
There is an application and fee. Each week also has an associated cost. Click here for info!
Save the Date: Campbell University will hold a virtual STEM camp the week of 6/14/21. Additional details will be shared in the near future.
UNC System “Ask A Student” nights
The UNC system is holding a virtual event for students to learn more about North Carolina's colleges and universities. These virtual sessions will be held from April 12 - 15 every night from 6 - 7 p.m.
The different sessions will host different universities
For additional information, including registration, click here.
Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program - SENIOR AND SUPER SENIOR INFO
START DATE – JULY 6, 2021
APPLICATION DEADLINE – APRIL 15, 2021
An accelerated program condensed into 51 weeks
“Duke is a highly ranked teaching hospital and students are able to learn from some of the leading ophthalmologists in the country.”
Requires students be 18, take TEAS test, have U.S. citizenship, and be physically able.
Learn more here:https://dukeeyecenter.duke. edu/education-and-training/duke-ophthalmic-technician-program
The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school and college-aged students who gender-identify as female and are interested in pursuing careers in orthopaedics and/or engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online mock orthopaedic surgery simulations and biomechanics experiments.
Click here for upcoming events.
NCSU Summer Programs 2021
Several weeks throughout the summer
Different programs from agricultural science, veterinary science, biology, chemistry, engineering, and more!
Costs vary
Registration times and age groups vary
Learn more here: https://emas.ncsu.edu/precollege/programs/high-school-students/
The North Carolina Zoo offers four, in person camps geared for those in rising 6th grader through 1st year college undergrad who are interested in science, animals, and research. The camp’s hand-on activities mimic field work conservation scientists undertake in the wild and offer a realistic overview of what it might be like to follow in the footsteps of conservation heroes, like Jane Goodall or Dian Fossey. Campers will have the unique and exciting experience of exploring the Zoo at night, where they will try out night-time research tools to observe and study Zoo animals and native wildlife. For even more information about the camp, visit their website at: https://www.nczoo.org/education/camps/wild-animal-science-camps
There is a fee associated with the camp and scholarships are available. Click here for a scholarship application.
Any students who are unable to log into Rapid Identity to access email or Google Classroom should email Ms. McAlexander, rmcalexander@wcpss.net, for a password reset. Your counselor can also assist you.
Wake Tech Fall 2021
WECHS students must accept Wake Tech COVID agreement before being registered for fall 2021 classes. See email from Mrs. Graham with instructions on accepting COVID agreement.
Students may book an advising appointment with Ms. Graham using link below:
Principal Cummings’ Office Hours: Most Fridays at 10:45 am. Open to all. The meet link is posted on our Google Calendar https://www.wcpss.net/healthscienceec or use this link to book a time to meet: https://cummings-administration.youcanbook.me
Please take care of yourself and your family. Contact us with any questions.
Principal Cummings lcummings@wcpss.net 919-341-9844